University Gender Hub (Memo U2021-009)

I am pleased to announce the creation of the interim University Gender Hub and the appointment of Dr Mira Alexis P Ofreneo as its Coordinator.

Pursuant to Section 23 of the Code of Decorum and Administrative Rules on Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, and Inappropriate Behavior (Code and Rules), I have requested the Office of the Vice President for the Loyola Schools to accommodate the interim expansion, to cover the entire University, of the erstwhile jurisdiction of the Loyola Schools Gender Hub. The expansion aims: (a) to provide safe spaces where students and personnel of the University who experience sexual harassment, other forms of sexual misconduct, or inappropriate behavior are given refuge and support, and an environment to speak about their experience without fear of judgment or discrimination (Sec. 23.2, Code and Rules), and (b) to otherwise begin providing the services listed in Sections 23.3 and 24 of the Code and Rules as far as current limitations will allow.

For this reason, I designate Dr Mira Alexis P Ofreneo as the Coordinator of the interim University Gender Hub. The formalization of the University Gender Hub's permanent structure (including establishing representative or satellite offices/services in the various campuses or schools) will continue to be studied and eventually put in place, through primary shepherding of the process by the Office of Human Resource Management and Organization Development (OHRMOD) and Dr Ofreneo.

The Office of the University President, as well as the various academic and central administration clusters, will coordinate with Dr Ofreneo on the matter of proportionately meeting costs and resources needed by the interim University Gender Hub to carry out its functions. It is recognized that priority will be given by this interim structure to serving the needs of the Loyola Schools. In the meantime, I ask all other University academic and administration clusters to extend all possible assistance to Dr Ofreneo and OHRMOD in adopting workable arrangements for effectively extending pertinent services in priority schools/units/campuses.

Dr Ofreneo is the incumbent Director of the Loyola Schools Gender Hub. She was the Chairperson of the Psychology Department of the School of Social Sciences and Head of the Sexual Misconduct Task Force of the Loyola Schools prior to her being assigned to the Gender Hub.

Let us support the University Gender Hub with our cooperation and prayers.